TinyMCoupe hookt me up with an autoX school on Saturday. It was raining and he didn't wanna dirty his car up so I went. It was a basic intro to car control. There were 4 stations:1. Esses, 2. Slalom, 3. Skid Pad, 4. Swerving.

The most fun part was the skid pad. I basically drove around a circle until I get the front wheels to wash out, then back off the gas to snap the tail to regain traction. The rain helped alot but the coupe has so much grip that it out performed what I was capable of withstanding. It was too much fun.

In the afternoon they linked all sections to create a full autoX course. Swerve, 1.5 around the skid pad, to the esses, then to the slalom. That was a great way to teach it.

One of my instructors has an 01 M Coupe with DA Koni's and SSR's that he autox in the stock class. He had fun with my car! He took me out in his S6 wagon and spun it!

On Sunday I ran with the Porsche Club. I met an MR2 driver and walked the course instead of waiting in line to sign up. It all looked very simple but when the runs started oh boy!

I had to wait for the 1st group, odd numbers, to run. It seemed forever before I got to go. I should have picked an odd number.

For the 1st run I asked an instructor to ride with me. I was getting lost and he pointed out which sections I almost went off course. This was a good way to start since there are no hard points to focus on, the cones were confusing. I ran a 64+.

2nd run was much better since I wasn't so nervous that an observer was riding with me. I ran a 60+ to my surprise.

3rd run was the best of the 1st session. I had a good idea of the track and where my focus points should be. I ran a 56+, which again surprised me.

I was very pleased and amazed that I was knocking down 4 secs each run. The coupe is a beast with large claws!

But then the afternoon cornerwork duty came. I had to stand in the sun while my new buddy in a 96 C4S:eek4: napped! I should have worked in the morning! But I chose a section to work that I identified during the walk thru as a problem area. It was a 180 deg left hander with no cone at theapex. I saw how people were managing the turn and came away with that and a sunburn!

For the 2nd session I was feeling tired. I'd been standing around in the sun with little food and water, if I had a fridge on my back I'd have looked like an iraqui looter.

My 1st run was a mess. I forgot to shut off ACS and had to do it on course. AARGH! I was sliding around due to cold tires and managed a 57.6.

The 2nd run was a little better but I think the 3 hrs sleep the night before was knocking. I ran 56.9. My friend says that I should be able to carry more speed in the corners and stay off the brakes!

For the 3rd and final run I was going for my best time of the day. I took my buddies advice and dove into the corners deeper and harder. I used my cornerwork observation and got my best turn in the "no apex" turn. I squeezed a 56.09.